The MLA Handbook

"Previous editions of the MLA Handbook provided separate instructions for each format, and additional instructions were required for new formats. In [the eighth edition] MLA recommends instead one universal set of guidelines, which writers can apply to any type of source."

The newer 8th edition is now the place to look for details about MLA Documentation Style, but this older (7th edition) of the MLA Handbook provides step-by-step advice on every aspect of writing research papers, from selecting a topic to submitting the completed paper.